The department shall consider the safety of miners in reviewing and acting on applications for permits issued to and for mines and shall include conditions addressing safety in issuing the permits. If the department determines that any aspect of the contemplated activity at an existing or proposed mine might constitute a threat to the health and safety of miners or individuals in and about mines, the department shall require the applicant or operator to eliminate the threat. If the applicant or operator does not eliminate the threat to the department's satisfaction, the department shall deny the application or applications or shall unilaterally modify the terms of the permit or suspend or revoke the permit.